Mary Berry's Country House Secrets

Mary visits Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey, home to the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and renowned as the setting for some of the most lavish and influential weekend house parties in history. Mary discovers what it takes to keep a home like this going in today's world and creates a delicious spread, from raspberry tartlets to gamekeeper's stew.

Scone Palace was the crowning place of Scottish kings and the epicenter of Scottish history. Mary is invited to help Lady Mansfield prepare for a special dinner with traditional Scottish reeling. She enjoys salmon fishing on the Tay and the regal pastime of Highland deer stalking before rustling up Scottish classics such as venison Wellington, cock-a-leekie soup, and cranachan.

At Powderham Castle, Mary spends time with the Earl and Countess of Devon and their two young children, hearing stories of romance and tragedy as she discovers the attics and secret passages of this extraordinary home. In the historic kitchen, she bakes a Devon cream tea, is shown Powderham classic curried cockles, and is inspired to make a peach posset for a Midsummer Eve woodland party.

Mary visits Goodwood House, home to the March family and a long line of innovators in the fields of sport and farming. Mary takes a thrilling lap of the Goodwood motor circuit with Lord March and is invited to one of his infamous dinner parties. She heads to the butler's pantry to prepare a hearty Race Day breakfast, a delicious coq-au-Vin, and a four-tier cake for a sumptuous cricket tea.

Mary meets staff and volunteers at Harewood House as they prepare for Christmas on a grand scale, discovering their stories as she helps them bake gingerbread and decorate the tree. In the archives, she learns about Princess Mary providing gifts for WWI soldiers. Then she heads out to the grounds to gather winter foliage for decorations. Her visit culminates in a glittering party.